City Council addresses speed humps and traffic safety in community streets

During the Laguna Niguel City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, discussions centered around traffic management strategies, particularly the effectiveness of speed humps and alternative measures for controlling vehicle speeds in residential areas.

City officials acknowledged that speed humps do indeed slow traffic, reducing speeds by approximately 5 to 10 miles per hour. However, they also noted a tendency for drivers to accelerate between speed humps, which can lead to inconsistent speed control. Due to safety concerns, speed humps cannot be installed on streets with a grade exceeding 6%, as this poses risks for drivers. Instead, the council discussed implementing striping recommendations to help manage speed on these steeper streets.

A significant point of discussion was the high voter threshold required to approve the installation of speed humps. City representatives explained that this policy aims to ensure long-term community support, as neighborhood demographics can shift over time. A simple majority could lead to fluctuating opinions on speed humps, potentially resulting in future conflicts among residents.

The council also revisited the topic of traffic circles, which had previously received minimal support from the community. In a 2017 study, only six letters of support were recorded, leading to a focus on other traffic calming measures, such as medians, instead. The lack of renewed interest in traffic circles during recent discussions further solidified their exclusion from current plans.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the absence of bike lanes on many streets. Officials confirmed that cyclists could safely share the road with vehicles, utilizing painted edge line striping as a designated area for biking.

Lastly, the council reviewed the criteria for establishing multi-way stops, which include traffic volume and pedestrian crossings. It was determined that the necessary criteria for such stops were not met in the areas under consideration.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance traffic safety in Laguna Niguel, balancing the needs of residents with engineering and safety standards. As the city moves forward, the council will continue to explore effective solutions for managing traffic flow and ensuring community support for proposed changes.